Pixelated scintillation detector and method of making same

Abstract

A scintillation detector may include a pixelated scintillation crystal mechanically and optically coupled to a position sensitive photodetector, such as a position sensitive photomultiplier tube (PSPMT). The pixelated scintillation crystal may be coupled to the position sensitive photodetector without using a window between the crystal and photodetector. According to one method of constructing the scintillation detector, a solid scintillation crystal may be coupled to the position sensitive photodetector and cut while coupled to the photodetector to form the pixelated scintillation crystal.

1 - 11 . (canceled) 
     
     
         12 . A method of making a scintillation detector, comprising:
 applying an optical coupling material between a scintillation crystal and a position sensitive photodetector to mechanically and optically couple the scintillation crystal and the position sensitive photodetector;   cutting the scintillation crystal while coupled to the position sensitive photodetector to form a pixelated scintillation crystal including an array of crystal pixel elements; and   applying a reflective material to the array of crystal pixel elements.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12  further comprising:
 securing a housing to the position sensitive photodetector such that the housing encloses the pixelated scintillation crystal. 
 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12  wherein applying the optical coupling material includes applying a clear optical epoxy and directly adhering the scintillation crystal to the position sensitive photodetector. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12  wherein cutting the scintillation crystal includes cutting the scintillation crystal using a wet cutting process. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 12  further comprising securing the position sensitive photodetector during cutting such that at least a portion of the position sensitive photodetector is sealed off from coolant used in cutting the scintillation crystal. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 12  further comprising positioning a reflective material retaining structure around the pixelated scintillation crystal, and wherein applying the reflective material includes filling spaces around and between the crystal pixel elements with a powdered reflective material. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 13  wherein securing the housing comprises:
 securing a first housing portion to the position sensitive photodetector before applying the reflective material, wherein the first housing portion is configured to retain the reflective material; and 
 securing a second housing portion to the first housing portion. 
 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the position sensitive photodetector is a position sensitive photomultiplier tube (PSPMT). 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the scintillation crystal is a hygroscopic crystal. 
     
     
         21 - 25 . (canceled) 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein securing the housing comprises hermetically sealing the housing to the position sensitive photodetector.